US3989255A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Puzzle employing movable member in tubular maze
Assignee: Lee Raymond Organization Inc
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Filing: 1975-10-21
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Granted: 1976-11-02
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Expires: 1995-10-21
Abstract
Abstract A bean-like member is placed into one end of a maze of hollow, flexible, transparent tubing with an inside diameter greater than the maximum width of the bean. The object of the puzzle is to cause the bean to drop into the interior of a cup with a detachable cap. The cup is secured to the tubing. The bean is caused to traverse the tubing by shaking and rotating the unit.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerry Raffa
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 15:25
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F7/00; A63F7/04; A63F7/042; A63F2250/00; A63F2250/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A puzzle, comprising: A bean-like member having a smooth outer surface; A hollow cup; A first section of hollow tubing with an inside diameter greater than the maximum width of the bean, one end of the first section communicating with the interior of the cup; and A plurality of second sections of tubing of like inside diameter, said second sections communicating with each other and with the first section, said second sections being isolated from the cup, said first section and said second sections being formed into a twisted mass of tubing through which said bean-like member is slidable in an effort to cause said member to enter said cup.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A puzzle, comprising: A bean-like member having a smooth outer surface; A hollow cup; A first section of hollow tubing with an inside diameter greater than the maximum width of the bean, one end of the first section communicating with the interior of the cup; and A plurality of second sections of tubing of like inside diameter, said second sections communicating with each other and with the first section, said second sections being isolated from the cup, said first section and said second sections being formed into a twisted mass of tubing through which said bean-like member is slidable in an effort to cause said member to enter said cup.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The puzzle of claim 1 wherein the cup has a detachable cap.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
10 words
The puzzle of claim 2 wherein the tubing is flexible.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
10 words
The puzzle of claim 3 wherein the tubing is transparent.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The puzzle of claim 4 wherein the member is brightly colored.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The puzzle of claim 5 wherein all of said sections have smooth inner walls.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-11-02 | 1980-05-03 | 1980-11-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-11-02 | 1984-05-03 | 1984-11-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-11-02 | 1988-05-03 | 1988-11-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |